Light or Dark?

Is cartoon violence o.k? Should we expose our kids to dark and controversial animated movies? What about race and gender representation? What about religion or drugs? Should animated movies and shows that will include such elements be made in the first place? Should children be shielded?

The controversy over what is o.k to show in animation is a real topic. Some parents are concerned for what their kids are exposed to, others don't care at all. The real question comes down to whether it is better to keep them shielded from such things until they are older or rip off the band-aid and let them be exposed to the realities of life from the get-go. My personal opinion is to allow children exposure to certain elements, but forbid others.

There are a plethora of animated features that include the elements I have listed as potentially controversial, many of them considered perfectly safe for younger audiences. This is especially true with the aspect of gender and race representation in Disney films and other animated content. Myriad classic Disney films and older shows and movies, such as Looney Tunes, show complete disregard for politically correct representation of races that aren't white, employing methods such as Blackface and the stereotypical stupid and slow mentality to any African American characters. Such examples include the crows in Dumbo, one of whom is even named Jim Crow, and the orangutans in The Jungle Book, who want to 'be like you' and appear less civilized. Despite incredible bounds forward in this regard with the introduction of the first black princess, Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, Disney films shows this misrepresentation; an upcoming Disney princess film entitled Princess of North Sudan, the first African princess, will be about a white colonist. 

This race issue also extends into other minorities, most notably Native Americans and the Asian races. For instance, two movies, The Aristocats and Lady and the Tramp, include racist scenes of Siamese cats. And, in potentially the most racist Disney movie to date, Native Americans are presented in one of the most offensive manners possible, in Peter Pan.  

However, while this negativity towards other races isn't the best thing to expose young, easily-manipulated children, it won't give them nightmares and very well might soar over their heads. Children not understanding is also the big reason why innuendos are able to be included in kid's shows and movies without repercussion. They simply don't understand what is going on, and will forget the scene ever took place. But, full-on, exposed nudity shouldn't ever be in a kid's show or movie.

Potentially dirty language is also fairly safe for most kids. Many parents or siblings regularly swear at home, and when out in public, children are exposed to all sorts of vulgarity. As long as the parents teach them not to use the words, swearing is fine at small levels.

Religion is a touchy subject for many and should be up to the parents to decide whether they find certain content offensive.

While it isn't uncommon to see characters smoking or drinking, or perhaps tripping out on something like berries (The Good Dinosaur), mushrooms (Cowboy Bebop), or cactus juice (Avatar the Last Airbender) , there should under no circumstances be any other form of drugs. 

Dark moments can be hard to determine. The range of reactions kids will show to scary moments in movies and shows is wide and diverse. Some love it, others don't mind, and still others have nightmares for weeks after. Therefore, this is another topic that is up to the parent's decision. If they know their kid is easily frightened, then I would say no to such content. But, for just about everyone else, dark and scary moments don't create any reason for concern.

Finally, similarly to dark moments, exposure to violence and blood in kid's shows and movies depends on the kid. I was personally never bothered by blood (except for Watership Down- which, despite being an animated movie about bunnies- IS NOT A KID'S MOVIE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!), so I didn't mind if the shows or movies had blood. At least, not a lot for younger kids. A simple nosebleed or scratch is fine. Violence in kid's movies and shows is something that I believe 99% of kids are ok viewing. Considering most animated violence is unrealistic and, well, cartoony, it's hard for kids to find it disturbing or scary, or 'copy' the characters. Even content that has more realistic fighting is not bad for kids to view.

In conclusion, most of the controversial moments in animation are just that, controversial, and while I personally believe most kids are fine being exposed to most controversial content, it is still up to the parent's discretion.